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Your CMPD Recruitment Questions Answered
Sergeant Candace Foggie and Officer Stephen Todd recently joined Captain Brad Koch for an episode of CMPD’s Recruiters on Your Computer. Here are just a few of the questions they answered about applying to work for CMPD.
How old do you have to be to apply?

You can be 20 to apply and enter the Academy. You must be 21 to be sworn in as an officer.
Do you get paid to go to the Police Academy?

Yes and you get paid weekly. You also get medical and dental benefits.
Does it help if I have my NC BLET certification?

Those who have been certified by the state of North Carolina in Basic Law Enforcement Training may be appropriate for Intermediate Entry, which shortens the time you spend in the Academy.
Do I need a college degree?

You do not need any experience to be a police officer. All you need is a high school diploma or GED. While you can make more money with an associate's or bachelor's degree, it is not required. 
187th Recruitment Class Is Looking Good
CMPD Rewards Officers Who Live in Mecklenburg County
CMPD offers a one-time $2,500 residency incentive to officers and sergeants who live within CMPD’s jurisdiction. The residency program was previously offered only to City of Charlotte residents, but has been expanded to include even the unincorporated areas of Mecklenburg County that CMPD serves. For details, click here.
Three Ways To Prep for the JRPAT
Potential Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department recruits take the JRPAT (Job Related Physical Abilities Test) and a written exam prior to the Academy. The JRPAT combines six cardio and bodyweight exercises in one timed exam.

As a state-certified physical fitness instructor, Officer Jean Wassenaar has facilitated numerous JRPAT testing sessions. She shares these three tips to help prepare for a successful JRPAT.
1. Don't Come in Blind
One of the best ways to prepare is to know exactly what’s coming. CMPD outlines all steps of the JRPAT and offers a video taking potential recruits through each component and showing a runthrough of the full test that must be completed in six minutes or less.
2. Train With Combination Cardio and Bodyweight Exercises
The JRPAT is designed to mimic the kinds of physical aspects of an officer’s role in the field. While the test is only made up of six individual components, those exercises are combined in a way that highlights both cardio and strength. Train with this same combination for success.
3. Prep for the Push-ups
For many potential recruits, the rounds of push-ups interspersed throughout the JRPAT can be tough. Officer Wassenaar says to always practice push-ups from the plank position, and increase upper body strength work, like biceps curls, to improve your push-ups.
Meet the Women of CMPD
A Tradition of Toughness
CMPD has a long and proud history of hiring women, starting in 1925 with Eloise Brown, who advanced through ranks when many of her brothers in blue left the homefront to fight in World War II.
The women of CMPD have always been resourceful and tough. In this photo, Charlotte policewomen Mickey Casey (ret. 1996) and Gail Sloan (ret. 1989) prepare to enforce a curfew during civil disturbances following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in April 1968. At that time, police women were not allowed to wear pants on duty.
Initially, female officers were required to meet more stringent educational requirements than their male counterparts. Things have since changed, and requirements for female officers are the exact same as they are for men.
Women Are the Future of CMPD
Apply Today - charlottepolicejobs.org
CMPD is Now Accepting Applications
for those new to law enforcement
for those who are
sworn officers
a new CMPD pathway
for those who are BLET-certified
Learn more about CMPD's compensation and benefits.
CMPD's End of Year 2020 Report
CMPD is a learning agency and believes in transparency. This month, CMPD released its 2020 End of Year Report with a press conference featuring Chief Johnny Jennings.

Chief Jennings gave an overview of 2020 where he recapped "the most challenging year" he has experienced in his 30+ year career, especially with an 18% increase in homicides.
Despite the challenges of violent crime, social unrest and COVID-19, last year, CMPD experienced several highlights:
  • The creation of the Violence Interruption Program focuses on reducing violence via strategy driven by research and data
  • Shooting Into Occupied Dwelling Task Force made 164 arrests and seized 118 illegal guns (29 of which were stolen)
  • 3,050 violent crime arrests (up 3% from last year)
  • 2,300 illegal guns were taken off the streets (up 9% from last year)
  • Home and business break-ins dropped 30%
A lot of our officers' good work and good outcomes don’t always make the news. They don’t get the attention they deserve. I marvel at the commitment we have in our agency.
- Chief Johnny Jennings
Meet Hardworking K-9 Officer Saint
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